The Hillsborough County Fair—in Dover about a 30-minute drive from Tampa—starts today, Sept. 23 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 3.
There’s a midway full of rides, for big and little kids, that, and a $25 armband gets you unlimited rides on any day, plus all of the other fair happenings.
Pie eating contest? Check. Pumpkin carving contest? Check. Rodeo, demolition derby, tractor pull? Check, check, check.
And for those missing “Toddlers & Tiaras,” there’s a children’s pageant (“judging for beauty is based on facial beauty, personality, and overall appearance”) and a baby parade (“judging is based on facial beauty, personality, outfit choice, expressions through smile, and over-all happiness…”) on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 3 respectively. I’m dying to know what the baby talent portion looks like.
But we all know what the most important thing of any fair, carnival, or festiva is—food. This year the lineup includes corn dogs, roasted corn, kettle corn, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, fried onions, pizza, Cuban sandwiches, Italian ice, specialty coffee, mini donuts and cheesecake.
Stated on the event’s COVID-19 protocol sheet “Masks/Face Coverings or proof of vaccine would NOT be required for admission…” but there will be “periodic cleaning” of high-touch surfaces and some attempted socially distancing.
For more information, a full schedule, or to get tickets go to hillsboroughcountyfair.com.
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This article appears in Sep 23-29, 2021.